SIMBA Sports Club have learned their group-stage opponents for the CAF Confederation Cup (CAF CC) following the recent draw conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The Tanzanian giants will compete in Group A alongside Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien, Algeria’s CS Constantine, and Angola’s FC Bravos.

The competition in Group A is expected to be fierce, particularly from CS Sfaxien, a club with a rich history in African football. Sfaxien have made multiple appearances in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages and won the title three times, with their last triumph in 2013. 

Despite facing challenges in recent years, the Tunisian side remains determined to restore their former glory and will pose a significant threat to Simba’s ambitions.

CS Constantine, representing Algeria, are another seasoned competitor in continental football. The club has participated in both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup on several occasions. 

However, their runs in these tournaments have often ended in the early stages, a weakness Simba will look to exploit in their encounters with the Algerian side.

FC Bravos, from Angola, will be making their debut in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages. While they are the least experienced team in the group, Bravos could still present a challenge to Simba, as new entrants in such tournaments can often spring surprises.

The group stage matches are set to begin in late November. Simba will kick off their campaign on November 28 with a home fixture against FC Bravos. Following that, they will travel to Algeria to face CS Constantine on December 8. 

Their third match will see Simba return to Dar es Salaam to host CS Sfaxien on December 15, a crucial encounter given Sfaxien’s pedigree in the tournament. Simba will then travel to Tunisia for the reverse fixture against Sfaxien on January 5, 2025.

Simba’s away fixtures will continue with a trip to Angola on January 12 to play Bravos, before finishing the group stage with a home match against CS Constantine on January 19.

Simba have a well-established strategy for advancing from the group stages of CAF competitions. Their usual approach is to secure all nine points from their home matches and aim to collect at least two points from their away fixtures, ensuring a spot in the quarter-finals.

Ahmed Ally (pictured), Simba’s Information and Communication Manager, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well in the group stage and reiterated the club’s goal of finishing first in Group A.

“Our target is clear: we want to finish at the top of the group and reach the quarter-finals,” said Ally. “We have a solid plan: secure all nine points at home and aim for at least two victories away. We believe we can win against FC Bravos and CS Constantine on the road, and we will give a strong fight against CS Sfaxien.”

Ally also emphasized the importance of fan support during the group stage, urging Simba’s passionate supporters to fill the stadium for each of the home matches.

“My message to the fans is that preparations must begin now. From November onwards, every Simba fan should be ready to come to the stadium and support the team. Filling the stands is crucial, and our fans have a key role in driving us to victory,” Ally added.

While Simba’s immediate focus is on securing a spot in the quarter-finals, the club has set lofty goals for this year’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign, with the ultimate aim of winning the prestigious tournament - a title that has eluded them in the past.

“Reaching the quarter-finals is our minimum goal, but we have our sights set on winning the championship,” said Ally.

Simba, one of East Africa’s most successful football clubs, have previously reached the knockout stages of both the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. This season, they are determined to go all the way and claim their first continental trophy.

As Simba prepare for the tough group-stage fixtures ahead, the players, technical team, and supporters alike are united in their quest for success on the African stage. 

With experienced teams like CS Sfaxien and CS Constantine in their group, the journey will not be easy. However, Simba remain confident in their ability to rise to the occasion and make their mark in this year’s CAF Confederation Cup.